SMSC and British Values

The DfE have reinforced the need:

“to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

At Lightwater Village School,  we actively promote fundamental British values as part of our mission to deliver an ambitious and inspiring curriculum that promotes spiritual, moral, social, cultural (SMSC) development for all our pupils at school. We use the School Values and the British Values to ensure everyone in school benefits from high quality SMSC development. 

Promoting Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural Development at Lightwater Village School 

Social Development 

Social Development is understanding and taking responsibility for the implications of their actions, both short-term and long-term, for themselves, for other individuals, for the whole group and for society, which hinges on acceptance of group rules and the ability to set oneself in a wider context. 

We provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to: 

• Develop an understanding of their individual and group identity.
• Feel a part of and contribute to the school and wider community. 
• Establish and build positive relationships. 
• Adapt to a range of social contexts with appropriate and sensitive behaviour.

Moral Development 

Morality is understanding the difference between right and wrong through a framework of values; it is to develop personal behaviour based on principles rather than fear of punishment or reward. 

We provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to: 

• Make informed and independent judgements about what is right and wrong. 
• Recognise the unique value of each individual.
• Listen and respond appropriately to the views of others. 
• Demonstrate perseverance when confronted with setbacks and learn from errors.
• Take initiative and act responsibly with consideration towards others. 
• Respect and take responsibility for the environment. 

Spiritual Development 

Spirituality is self-understanding and self-worth, creativity, emotional responses and a personal quest for meaning and purpose.

We provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to: 

• Develop self-esteem. 
• Encourage their capacity for critical and independent thought in a positive manner. 
• Cultivate their emotional literacy and express their feelings in a safe and secure environment. 
• Consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life.
• Experience moments of reflection. 
• Discuss their beliefs, feelings, values and responses to personal experiences. 
• Form and maintain worthwhile relationships.

Cultural Development 

Cultural development is cultivating an understanding of their own cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures. 

We provide learning opportunities that will enable pupils to:

• Develop an understanding of their social and cultural environment.
• Recognise the value and richness of cultural diversity in school, the local community, Britain and the world. 
• Recognise how cultural diversity can influence individuals and society. 
• Develop and strengthen the cultural interests and understanding of pupils.

British Values at Lightwater Village School

Lightwater Village School is committed to serving its community.  It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.  The school is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students. 

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools.  The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five British Values are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

The school uses strategies within the National curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for students.   The examples that follow show some of the many ways we seek to embed British values.

Democracy

The principle of democracy is consistently being reinforced at Lightwater Village School, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community through our Pupil Parliament.

Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at the school.  Students are taught the rules and expectations of the school.  Students are taught the value and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. 

Individual Liberty

At Lightwater Village School, students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. Staff at the School educate and provide boundaries for students to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. For example through Computing and PSHE we explore how pupils can use the internet safely to explore topics of interest.

Mutual Respect

Students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is reiterated through its teaching and learning environments. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment. For example in Computing we explore communicating with others using technology, thinking about the purposes and language used, and about the effect of positive and negative messages on others.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through equipping students with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving the opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community.  Additionally, students are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school and celebrate festivities throughout the calendar year.  Through RE we explore similarities and differences within shared ideas/activities e.g. celebration, between different religions and cultures.